THE 2019 u-12 Danone Nations Cup soccer season promises to be a spectacular one. It is the biggest tournament of its kind in the world, touching the lives of more than two million people globally. The call is out for primary schools around South Africa to register to enter their teams.
This year marks two major milestones in the history of the company, Group Danone. The tournament’s sponsors turns 100 and this celebrates s the 20th edition of the tournament. To mark this special year, it has been decided that the 2018 and 2019 editions of the tournament will be held simultaneously.
“It’s a privilege for Danone to be involved in this prestigious tournament,” said Chantel Ehlers, internal communications manager, Danone Southern Africa. “Over the past 20 years the tournament has inspired millions of youngsters around the world to believe in their dreams and develop healthy eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. As 2019 coincides with our centenary year, we have decided to host a spectacular double final in the place where it all began – Barcelona. We are using this milestone and the power of football to make a strong connection to our ‘One Planet. One Health’ brand platform.”
Nomlinganiselo Primary School from the Western Cape won the 2018 South African Danone Nations Cup and will compete against 18 other nations for the 2018 World Title. The process to find the 2019 champions has begun and registrations are now open.
South Africa has much to celebrate being only one of two countries to have won the tournament three times (2003, 2007 and 2009). In 2006 the country was named the best attacking team and produced the top goal scorer. In 2008 South Africa won the Team Spirit award and in 2013 and 2016 the teams were recognised by the Department of Sports and Recreation as the best development team in the country.
The tournament is run under the auspices of the South African Schools Football Association (Sasfa). They collate registration forms and finalise the dates and fixtures and manage the games at cluster, regional, provincial and national levels.
The games will kick-off at cluster level in March and culminate in the national final to be held at a venue still to be decided in in June or July. The World finals are expected to take place in early October at a date still to be confirmed.
Schools can register for the competition by contacting the national coordinator at Sasfa, Themba Tshabalala. Tshabalala can be reached on thembatshabalala@saschoolsfa.co.za or on 011 403 2844, 084 290 0602 or 072 588 4957. Alternatively, the schools can visit the Danone Nations Cup South Africa Facebook page or go to www.facebook.com/dncsouthafrica to download the necessary documents.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
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